The late May sunlight streamed golden and inviting through the open window of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Though Snape was lecturing that day, Hermione found herself unable to pay attention. Instead, she ran the tip of her quill over her lips and gazed unseeing through the window.

Bellatrix was happy about something. She could feel the dark witch's glee racing under her skin, but it did little to alleviate the heavy cloud that had hung over her since the Easter Holiday.

Her mind conjured forth the image of the muggle girl's terrified eyes. She had thought about them so often over the past two months that they no longer brought forth the same feeling of horror. Instead, the dull shame churned in her stomach, and she let out the tiniest sigh.

"Hermione."

An elbow pressed gently into her side, and she blinked. Beside her, Harry looked urgently at her, then down to the open page of his textbook. It took her a moment to realize the entire classroom, as well as Snape, was looking at her.

"Er, I'm sorry. Could you repeat the question?" To her credit, her voice remained smooth and authoritative.

She knew that were she any other student (with the exception of Draco) she would have received a cutting remark or snide comment. Instead, her uncle arched a brow and repeated himself. "What is the best defense against the Oblito curse?

Harry discreetly pointed to a word he had circled in his notes, but she had luckily already covered this subject with her uncle in their private lessons.

"A shield charm should deflect it, but if it's already hit you then you'll need to administer a sight restoring potion immediately."

He nodded slowly, "And how soon should you administer the potion?"

She could not remember. "Within a day?" she tried.

Hip lips pressed tightly together, and she knew she was wrong. "Potter! Perhaps you know the answer?"

Harry straightened slightly. "Within four hours." As an afterthought he added, "Sir."

Her uncle's lips tightened again, and he turned away to face the blackboard. "You have four hours from the moment the spell hits you to seek the sight restoring potion or else it will be too late. Blindness will be permanent from that point on. This curse has been outlawed since-"

She looked over at Harry, and whispered, "Thanks."

"You'd do the same for me," he smiled back.

"Ten points from Gryffindor, Potter, for speaking in class! Perhaps you would like to share what's so important with the rest of us?"

Harry shook his head, and Snape sneered, but whatever he had planned to say was cut off as the door banged open and Parvati strolled through.

"Sorry I'm late, Professor!" Her voice was breathy as she handed him a note. "I had my meeting with Professor McGonagall."

He read the note, and looked up at Hermione. "Miss Malfoy, Professor McGonagall requests your presence in her office. You may pack up and go. I expect you to read chapter thirty four before the next lesson. Potter will bring you the homework assignment."

She stoppered her ink bottle, and swept her belongings into her bag. Harry gave her a discreet wave as she passed, which she returned.

On her way, she passed a group of second-year Hufflepuffs singing the school song. Jealousy stabbed at her insides as she watched them walk off with their arms slung over each other's shoulders. Didn't they realize what was happening in the world outside Hogwarts? Couldn't they feel that now was not the time to sing and laugh loudly?

But it was as if Hogwarts had been hit with a cheering charm. Every student who passed her looked content, even Professor McGonagall's smile was warm and friendly when she opened the door.

"Yes, Miss Malfoy. Come in!"

The room smelled of parchment and tea. She took her seat on the little wooden chair across from McGonagall's. Her Head of House pulled out a slim file from a stack beside her, and opened it. She ran the feathered end of her green quill over the notes, and looked back up. "We're here today to discuss your plans for your final year at Hogwarts."

Hermione's insides twisted. She would rather think about anything besides the future. Everything was moving too quickly. For a moment, she thought she would be sick across the highly polished surface of McGonagall's desk. Then her Slytherin side kicked in and a cool smile plastered across her face. She curved her fingers around the edge of her seat and squeezed tightly as she nodded.

McGonagall gave her an appraising look, but thankfully returned her focus to the file. "Last year we discussed your desire to have a career in the Ministry. Is that still your plan?"

The thought of working in the Ministry did not give her the same thrill of excitement and satisfaction that it should have. In a calm voice she affirmed, "Yes."

"I see that you're planning on taking your N.E.W.T.s in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Arithmancy, Herbology, History, Ancient Runes, Potions, and Transfiguration." McGonagall looked up, her green eyes calculating. "That's a heavy workload for your final year."

Her mouth was incredibly dry. "I will be up to the task, I'm sure."

A gentle look crossed McGonagall's features, "I'm sure you are. I've never met anyone as determined as you are, Miss Malfoy. The Ministry will be lucky to have you."

Hermione watched her make a a few new notes, and tried to keep her face calm.

What will you think of me after I've killed Uncle Albus? She wondered. As soon as it came into her mind she tried to force that thought down. She could not bear to think of it. Not today. Not while McGonagall looked at her like she was another success story.

"Do you know which department you'd like to work for?"

"The Department of Magical Law Enforcement," she heard herself say.

"I'm not surprised," said McGonagall, and had she been Slughorn she would have let out a chuckle. Instead, she gave her a look that could almost be described as fond. "Most offices within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement only require five N.E.W.T.s, but I'm sure you already know that."

She did. "I want to be the best," she said seriously. If the Dark Lord- No, when the Dark Lord took control of the Ministry she did not want anyone to say that favoritism had gotten her to the top.

"Well, if you change your mind you have until the examinations themselves to lighten your load a little." McGonagall made another note, "I'm glad I talked you out of Astronomy, at least," she muttered under her breath.

A real smile tugged on Hermione's lips, and she felt her shoulders relax the tiniest bit.

"Thank you professor."

"We're not quite done," McGonagall said quickly when Hermione made the motion to rise. "There's one last thing I wanted to speak to you about."

Hermione sat heavily, and tried not to look disappointed.

McGonagall closed the file, and shuffled it back into the stack beside her. She reached up and straightened her spectacles. When it came, her voice was gentler than Hermione had ever heard it. "I've been receiving reports that you are not as… enthusiastic as you usually are. Professor Sprout, in particular, feels that you have fallen into a depression since the Holiday." She folded her hands atop the desk, "Is there anything that is distressing you? Has anything happened?"

Where to begin? Thought Hermione. Out loud, she said quickly, "No."

But McGonagall's eyes were too knowing. "There's nothing wrong with asking for help, Miss Malfoy," she said kindly. "Even the strongest of us-"

"I said no," said Hermione firmly. "Nothing has happened, and I don't need anything." She could not bear to sit there and see McGonagall's face wrinkle with concern over her. "May I go now, Professor?"

It looked as if McGonagall would have given anything to say no. She exhaled slowly, and nodded. "Yes, Miss Malfoy. You may leave. But I want you to know that if you ever need anything- anything at all- I'm here for you."

You say that now, thought Hermione darkly. She forced a polite smile, and left with as much dignity as she could muster.

For a moment she wished she were back in fifth year, in her Inquisitorial Squad uniform. At least she didn't feel like a wolf in sheep's clothing when she wore her uniform. Everyone had known who she was and where her alliances lay. At least, as far as school went.

There was a rustling of feathers, and she realized with a start that she'd wandered up to the Owlery. Hundreds of glittering eyes peered sleepily at her, and she found a clean seat by the window that overlooked the lake.

A sweet breeze played with her hair, and she inhaled the scent of fresh grass and lake water. Several students shouted to each other below, their words too faint to make out.

"Hermione?"

Her stomach dropped at the sound of Harry's voice. The last thing she wanted to do was pretend to be ok.

So don't. Said a little voice in her head. "Hi Harry." She didn't look up as he shuffled into the tower.

"How was your meeting with McGonagall?"

She swallowed past the lump in her throat. "Fine."

He let out a small laugh, "That bad, huh?"

She tore her eyes away from the students below and looked over to him. "Not really. I just…" she let out a deep breath, "I'm not really in the mood to discuss the future."

He held out his arm, and Hedwig fluttered down to it. "Hi girl," Stroking her snowy breast, he made his way over to where Hermione was, and sat beside her. "I know what you mean," he said softly.

Hermione reached up and stroked the back of her finger down the curve of Hedwig's wing.

"It's hard to plan for your life when you have no idea if you're going to be alive for it."

She looked over at him in surprise. His green eyes were hard, and his mouth was a thin line. Hedwig nipped at his fingers, and he blinked.

"I haven't been able to stop thinking about the Prophecy," he admitted.

She continued to stroke Hedwig. Every part of her wanted to tell him that it wasn't real, that he shouldn't worry too much over it. But she also knew that The Dark Lord wouldn't stop until he had killed Harry. Keeping Harry alive gave the Order, and therefore those who resisted him, hope. And hope gave people a cause. "I don't know what I'd do if the prophecy had been about me," she said in a low voice.

He let out a dark laugh, "You'd probably have a better shot than me," he said.

"Harry, that's not true."

"It is. You're the most brilliant witch there ever was, Hermione. Voldemort wouldn't stand a chance against you."

Her fingers shook at the thought of having those red eyes turn cruel when they looked at her. She hated how much she wanted his approval. Wouldn't it be easier if she could hate him the way Harry did? Then everything Uncle Albus had prepared her for…

But at the same time a part of her wished she could say the same for Harry. It would be so much easier if she could forget the messy-haired urchin who had crept his way into her heart. He had never doubted her. Not even when she was on the Inquisitorial Squad had he lost complete faith in her. She had always seen a glimmer of something when he looked at her, like he was waiting for her to come to her senses.

As if he could read her thoughts, he cleared his throat. "Thanks for always being there for me, Hermione." His cheeks pinkened. "For, er, all the adventures we've gone on, and the food parcels you sent during the summer, and the letters. And for… well, everything. You and Draco are my oldest friends. I don't know what I would've done without you two…"

Impulsively, she threw an arm around his shoulders and pressed her head to his. Hedwig batted her wings to keep her balance as she pulled him close.

"What's this for?" he asked, his voice higher than usual.

"Can't a girl hug her best friend?"

He let out a surprised chuckle. "Yeah… thanks."

They stayed like that for a while, until Hedwig grew tired of them and flew away. Then they went down to dinner together. She felt lighter than she had in months. Not even Ron's ever-present glare could bring her down. She sat and laughed with Harry and Neville over something Peeves had done.

After dinner, they met Draco in the corridor, and the four of them decided to go spar in the Room of Requirement for the evening. It wasn't the vigorous workout that Bellatrix, or even her Uncle Severus gave her. Instead, it turned into a kind of game as they shot color-changing charms at each other.

"We should have invited Ginny and Luna," said Neville breathlessly when Harry called them to a stop. His skin was a mottled red (Harry's Color) and blue (Hermione's color). "They would've loved this. Oh thank Merlin," he reached for the water Draco offered him, and guzzled it down.

"We can do it again next week," offered Harry. Like Hermione, he seemed to be in better condition than the other two boys, and she wondered if he had been practicing in his spare time. She noted with satisfaction that he was nearly entirely red. One arm was green (Neville's color) and she herself was splotched with red, but she noted with dismay that none of them bore Draco's yellow.

How is he going to survive the war if he can't even get a shot in against a bunch of his friends? Thought Hermione later as she sat on her bed. The hangings were drawn, but she could still hear Lavender and Parvati giggling amongst themselves. Turnip slept on his back, his grey fur rumpled.

It was rarer and rarer for Bellatrix to be free in the evenings, Hermione could feel that whatever the older witch was doing, it was getting more and more dangerous. Twice she'd woken up covered in bruises that should not have been there, and she could feel when the other witch was hurt more and more often. Bellatrix always shrugged off her concern, and assured her she was fine, but the girl missed having her all to herself. Tonight she was thankfully able to focus on Hermione. "He might not need to fight," she said soothingly in Hermione's mind. "We might be able to protect him."

Hermione unscrewed the lid of a jar marked "Periwether's Potions: Hair Balm, for curls" and noted with relief that it smelled like lemon balm. After reading the instructions, she spread a fair amount on her hands and began working it through her hair. I don't know what I'll do if Father tries to involve Draco in the cause.

Bellatrix hummed, "Well he won't have much choice in the matter, Dove. If the Dark Lord wants Draco involved, he won't ask for anyone's opinion."

And then Draco will resist, and get himself killed. Turnip sneezed, and startled himself awake. She reached out to ruffle the fur atop his head, and he gave her hand a warm lick.

"Perhaps it would be best if he did not return to the Manor."

Frowning, Hermione closed the jar of hair balm, and reached through her hangings to set it on the nightstand. But how can we keep him safe if he's not near us?

"I told Cissy that the best thing she could do was send him to one of the hospitals in the Alps. She wouldn't listen to me, of course, but it really would be safest for him if he were out of the way."

He'd never agree to that, thought Hermione glumly. He wants to protect Harry. Despite the warmth of the evening, she shivered, and decided to change the subject. When did you speak to Mother?

"Last night. She's been allowing me to take her down to the Rusty Cauldron once a week for some sisterly bonding time. I don't think she realizes that's what it's for though, all she does is talk about you and Draco's academic accomplishments." Her voice was light and amused, but there was a pang of loneliness that Hermione pretended she didn't feel.

I've never heard of the Rusty Cauldron.

"I'll have to take you sometime. It's a great little pub. I'd go there every night, but the neighborhood is Muggle, so…"

It sounds fun. She sighed. I wish I were with you.

The rush of affection she felt in response was almost enough to make her feel better. Almost.

"I miss you too, Doveling. Don't worry, we'll see each other soon." She felt a flash of excitement, "The Dark Lord has asked me to visit him tonight. He says it's about you and your task."

Hermione would rather think about anything else.

It seemed Bellatrix could feel it. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine, I promise. Did I tell you that Rab has Vercingetorix on a new exercise regime? He thinks it will stimulate him more…"

Hermione leaned back, and listened to Bellatrix's soothing voice. Slowly, Turnip inched his way up the bed, until he lay warm and comforting across her stomach. She ran her fingers through his soft fur, and nearly fell asleep.

"-I have to go, Dove," Bellatrix said at last. "I'm at the manor, and I have to occlude my mind."

It always made Hermione feel slightly panic when she said that, even though she knew it was to keep their bond safe and secret. "Ok…"

"I love you. Get some sleep."

I love you too, Bella.

There was another rush of affection, and then she felt the strange feeling of being gently pushed out of Bellatrix's mind. She could still feel the older witch's feelings race beneath her skin. Elation, expectation, concern. Jealousy rose up in response, and she wished that she were there to listen to whatever the Dark Lord had to say about her.

She rolled over onto her side, and pulled Turnip to her chest. He allowed her to hold him there, and gave a little huff as he settled his head on her pillow. Over the sound of his breathing she could hear Lavender and Parvati's soft voices.

"-you have to come this summer. Mum has been looking forward to this trip for months." Lavender's voice was high and expectant.

Parvati laughed, "Ok, ok! I'll ask my Dad, he might say yes. Oooh, look at this one Lav, that would be a good color for me."

"Oh he has to! I don't know what I'd do without you there! No, I like the red better for you."

Didn't Lavender realize that there was a war going on? Hermione rolled her eyes, and wondered if that's what she would be doing if it weren't for Dumbledore. Would she be flipping through Witch Weekly and planning a summer trip?

"No," she whispered to Turnip, "Surely not."

"Did you say something, Hermione?" Parvati called.

She froze, and squeezed Turnip tighter, "Just reviewing my notes!" she called.

Lavender giggled, and Parvati said kindly, "If you get tired with that I've got the new Witch Weekly out here. We're going to do the quizzes next!"

"Thank you," she licked her dry lips, "but I'd better keep on with this. Exams are coming up, you know."

More giggles from Lavender, but Parvati's voice was sincere, "Alright, but if you change your mind…"

"Yeah. Thanks!"

Lavender whispered something, and Parvati shushed her.

Dislike filled her. She had no problem with Parvati, but ever since Lavender had begun to date Ron she had been nothing but condescending to Hermione.

If only you knew, Hermione thought. She pictured herself cursing Lavender over and over again, running through the list of all the non-lethal ways she could make the other girl suffer. A grin tugged at her lips, and she instantly felt guilty about it. Not guilty enough to stop, however. There was a teeth enlarging charm her father had told her about that would look hilarious...

At some point she must have fallen asleep, as the next thing she knew she woke with a gasp. For a moment she wondered what had roused her, and then it became apparent.

"WAKE UP!"

Delight that was not her own bubbled inside her so strongly that she could not help the grin that spread over her face. Bella? What is it?

There was a jingle as Turnip, who was curled into her side, looked up.

"The Dark Lord has decided to use your mission as an excuse to take control of Hogwarts."

Hermione's heart thumped in response, and she sat up. What?

"He's asked me to lead a team of our most trusted to secure the castle and establish Severus as the Headmaster."

Bellatrix's glee bubbled inside her, but Hermione's tension overpowered it. But… The students… Harry. She meant Harry.

"When are you going to do it?"

Now her heart was pounding so rapidly that she could barely feel anything else. Turnip whined, and there was the soft golden glow of his calming magic. I… I don't…

"Doveling. Breathe! There's no cause to get so worked up!"

She struggled to get control over her breathing. I-I don't know. Uncle Albus has to do something first. He asked me to give him more time…

"Hmm… That's ok. We'll put all the pieces in place and then I'll make everyone ready to go. You'll have to send an owl though. We can't have the team wondering how you alerted me."

Hermione was now wide awake, and she shook from nerves as she pulled Turnip close. The wubble let out a soft whine and gave her chin a lick. This is actually going to happen…

Bellatrix's voice was gentle, "It is. I think we'll apparate to the Shrieking Shack and use that tunnel-"

What if the teachers see you? Hogwarts is nearly impenetrable from the outside. As soon as she said it, a wave of guilt crashed over her. Perhaps it was a bad idea to work with them… But she was them! This was who she was raised to be.

"Stop it."

Stop what?

"Whatever's making you feel like that. You have no reason to feel poorly."

In Hermione's eyes, she had every reason to feel poorly.

"Focus on the task. If you don't want me to come from outside how do you propose to get us inside?"

Turnip's breath was hot on her cheek as she struggled to focus on Bellatrix and not her own thoughts. Er… I don't know… Maybe… Maybe the Honeydukes passage?

Bellatrix's pride welled up in her chest, and she felt her cheeks burn in response.

"I always knew you were meant for greatness," came Bellatrix's fond voice.

Do you remember what Harry said about it?

"Every bit of it. I'll go down to Hogsmeade tomorrow and try it out."

You'll come to Hogwarts?

There was a pang of regret, "I'm sorry, Dove. I'd better not enter Hogwarts fully. I'll go as far as the witch's statue, but I don't want to risk having the passage discovered."

Hermione nodded, and felt a lump grow in her throat. She was more grateful than ever that their link was psychic, for she knew that she would not be able to speak without crying.

"It's only a few more weeks, my love. Then this will all be over."

Hermione shivered again. Will you stay with me a little longer?

"Of course. The Dark Lord thinks I've gone home to compose a letter to you."

You're not at home?

"No."

Hermione scooted so that her back was to the headboard. Where are you?

"On a broom over the coast of the North Sea." There was a quiet pause, then, "Would you like to see?"

When she had been incarcerated, Bellatrix used to use Hermione's eyes all the time. But Hermione had never done it herself. Is it hard?

"Not as hard as becoming an Animagus." Bellatrix was smiling, Hermione could feel it. "Close your eyes and push your mind to mine, like Legilimency."

They had practiced Legilimency in their trainings, so it was easy for Hermione to find the border that separated her from Bellatrix. Now what?

"Push yourself in like you're dipping your face into a pensieve."

Hermione tried, and felt foolish at once. Nothing's happening.

There was a fond laugh. "Push harder. You have to let your mind leave your own body for it to work."

Hermione ground her teeth together in frustration when it still didn't work. Bella!

"Come to me Doveling, and leave yourself."

She could feel Bellatrix's thoughts pushing forward, running past her in a flurry of memories and feelings. Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself forward, and felt the strange sensation of falling.

The first thing that hit her was the feeling of icy wind against her cheeks and neck. The smell of salt and fish washed over her, and she let out a startled laugh-

Or tried to. No sound came from her.

"See, not hard at all."

Where are we?

The crescent moon hung low over the rocky cliffs, making the velvety grass look dark blue. The dark handle of the broom gleamed in the moonlight. Waves crashed violently below.

"Somewhere over Scotland, I think."

It was strange to be able to feel the body she was in, but have no control over it.

"Now you know how I felt all those years," said Bellatrix, her raspy laughed floated around them.

Then it faded away, and Hermione felt the curious sensation of being pulled back.

A moment later she was in her warm bed, with Turnip slumbering heavily on her lap.

I'm back, she thought with disappointment.

"You lasted longer than I did the first time," Said Bellatrix proudly. "Then again I was malnourished and dehydrated…"

Sleep pulled heavily on Hermione's mind, and she shifted so that she could lay back against her pillows. I'm so tired, she thought, I'm sorry, Bella, I'm… trying to…

A gentle laugh soothed her, "Hush now, Dove. It takes a lot out of you the first couple times. I'll be here when you wake."

Hermione's eyes drifted shut, and she tumbled into a dream about crashing waves and secret tunnels.